17* Hybrid vs. 15* FW

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By Doug E

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  1. Doug E

    Doug E
    Urbana, MD

    I want to add a lower-bounce lob wedge (SM8 60.08M or 62.08M) without giving up my high-bounce 58.12D lob wedge, one of my most trusted and versatile clubs in my everyday bag. In order to do so, I have to make some sort of revision to the top end regulars.

    Though I am very happy with my 15* 917F 3W, and usually hit it pretty well, I am considering replacing it in the number 2 position in my bag with a 17* TS2 hybrid. I feel it might give me a bit more versatility at the top end of my bag without too much loss of distance over the 3W.

    Presently, my next club down is an 818H2 21 degree that I have set at 20*. Next is an AP3 custom-designed 4 iron, then 5-pw T200s. I LOVE that 4 iron, but if I were able to reset my 818H2 to 21 or even 22 degrees, I could drop the 4i and add another wedge, which is my ultimate goal here.

    At 65 years old now, reaching par 5s in two is pretty unlikely with 3W anyway. So a few yards shorter on par 5 2nd shots shouldn't make that big a difference. Plus, I rarely need to use 3W off the tee at my home club, at least not when playing from the blue tees, which is still my regular practice.

    So, my main question after all that pre-mumble is, has anyone else substituted a 17* hybrid (or even a 19*) for their 3W and if so, were there any real drawbacks or strong positives to that set up on an everyday basis? I already know the positives of having an extra wedge!

    FWIW, I'm a 4.8 index at present and play between 150-200 rounds every year, so you can be sure I have evaluated and analyzed just about every scenario in my mind. But, I have never actually TRIED playing a 17* hybrid in place of a 3W. (I have played 5W in place of 3W before.)

    I'm more looking to hear others' experience who have done the switch over from 3W to 17* hybrid, before I commit to buying a new TS2 17* or TSi 3W. If I could afford them both I would buy both and just play whichever, depending on what works best at a particular track or course set-up any given day.

    Thanks for taking the time to hear me out.

  2. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    Doug - you've pretty much answered your own question. Even if a TSi 3W gained some distance over the 917, will you really be able to add more par 5's in 2? And in 2-3 years more? Like Henri Stenson and his Diablo 3W, many find replacing a 3W of minimal value, short of a new shaft need or moving to a 4/5W.

    Have you worked with Roger Hatcher at the 1751 Club near Dulles? My son felt it was worthwhile for a set of irons and driver (after I sent him there). That should help you see if the 818 H2 will easily replace the 4 Iron and then find a TS hybrid to give you the distance you need to keep the 3W in reserve.

    I'm not at a 17 degree hybrid, but I'm looking to see if a 21 will be more versatile than a 7W. The deeper face on the TS2 will be more forgiving than the 7W in deeper rough. Having tried the TS2 at Titleist events, I think it is going to be winner come fitting time.

  3. Doug E

    Doug E
    Urbana, MD

    Thanks for your input, Don. And you are right. I kind of already know the answer. I guess I am hoping for others to tell me they have done the same with excellent results. You know, just to make me more sure of myself. Validation.

    I have not been fit at the 1751 Club, though I am aware of it. Most of my recent fittings have been at a Titleist Thursdays, closer to my home. One of these days, I'll get over to 1751. It's been on my list since I moved to MD five years ago.

    I can't say if the 21* hybrid is right for you or not. We have different games and swings. However, I can tell you when I put the 21* 818H2 in my bag earlier this year, I found I rarely used my 19* 818H1 anymore. I became so much more confident with the smaller-headed H2, and felt like I hit it nearly the same distance as my 19* H1. So I took the 19 out and put my old AP3 4i back in the bag. Then changed the 21* H2 loft to 20*. That new starting line-up lasted this way for months with good success. The H2 worked for me over a wider range of lies and distances than the 19* H1. Maybe it was the 1/2 inch shorter shaft, but I feel it was the smaller head. I like a more compact look, in general. I also tend to hit down on the ball, more so than a sweeper might. If I do end up replacing my 3W with a 17* TS2 hybrid, I'll just view it as a fairway wood so the head will seem small. ;-)

    FWIW, when I first put that 19* H1 in my bag back in early 2019, I absolutely loved it. It's still a great club in my mind, but I think I love the 21* H2 even a little more.
  4. EStan

    EStan

    I went the 17 hybrid route instead of a 4 wood. When I upgraded my old hybrid to the 818's I liked hitting them so much, that it put me with a similar situation to you and so I went after a 17 degree TS2 Hybrid with a heavier shaft.

    I've struggled for a long time to close the face of my woods, and while my 915 4 wood felt wonderful when I hit it.... it wasn't nearly as consistent as my hybrids especially off the tee. So far the TS2 hybrid has been way more consistent and versatile. I'm swinging it harder with the confidence and getting similar, if not more distance than the 4 wood.

    I think the biggest advantage for me, is less swing thoughts. I had a very slightly different approach to driver/5 wood/hybrid/irons. By collapsing those two middle categories, I feel like there is less going on in my head.
  5. Doug E

    Doug E
    Urbana, MD

    Thanks for the input, EStan. Good to hear your experience. It's helpful. And, I hear ya on the swing thoughts. Probably a common thread through many of us, me included.
  6. Mike M

    Mike M
    Marblehead MA

    Hi Doug.For what it's worth, I think the 17 is the way to go.Normally, I'd suggest a person go the other way and keep the 3-wood, but at your cap level and given the number of rounds you've played, i think the 17 is the way to go. I also have a 21 H2. Added it last year and use it everywhere. Love the club. Next up in my lineup is an old (really old) TM v-steel 16.5 fairway.Once I part with that, I'm going the 17 route myself.

    Happy Holidays.
  7. Richard P

    Richard P
    Lorraine, QC

    Hi,
    For me,
    A good option was to add a 4 wood at 16,5 and a 21 degree hybrid,
    My experience with the 17 deg. hybrid was a to low trajectory with a lot of roll.
    Depending on courses you play, this could be a problem.

    I found hybrid 21 degree to be the most versatile loft for me.

    Happy Holidays,
  8. Andrew C

    Andrew C
    Kingscourt, Cavan

    I got ts3 17 degree instead of a 3 wood during my club upgrade, very happy with the club, it fulfils the role of a 3 wood and more, I would recommend this route for anyone

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